Deputy Head Teacher / Head of Inclusion and SENDCO (Hedworth Lane Primary School)
Leadership: L8 – L12 (£61,534 - £67,898pa)
Following the recent restructure of the Senior Leadership Team, the Governors of Hedworth Lane Primary School are excited to appoint an experienced and motivated practitioner to take on a newly created role. This position will be that of non‑class based Deputy Head and Head of Inclusion and will include the role of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities coordinator (SENDCO).
This is a unique position that offers the rare chance to shape educational practice and outcomes across the whole school community. This role will enable the successful candidate to make a significant difference at a strategic level, influencing curriculum development, teaching approaches and support systems that benefit every child in our care.
As Deputy Head / Head of Inclusion, you will have the opportunity to lead on several critical areas of school development. Your responsibilities will include oversight of the provision for our most vulnerable pupils, supporting colleagues in embedding best practice across the school. This is a position of considerable influence, allowing you to drive forward initiatives that directly improve outcomes for our most vulnerable learners and support whole‑school improvement.
At Hedworth Lane Primary School, we are committed to providing an education that is both ambitious and inclusive. Your expertise and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that these principles are embedded throughout practice, and that every child – regardless of their starting point – has access to a high quality curriculum, quality first teaching and tailored support that enables all children to thrive and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
We seek a candidate who brings:
* Proven experience in SEND leadership and a deep understanding of how to support children with additional needs or wider barriers to learning.
* Strong knowledge of child development, teaching approaches and pedagogy.
* The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and to model excellent practice.
* A genuine commitment to inclusion and to making a tangible difference to our children’s lives.
* Strategic thinking skills and the capacity to lead, monitor and evaluate whole‑school improvement initiatives.
Applications will be shortlisted on Wednesday 22 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to teach a short lesson on a given topic at the school. If successful, applicants will then be invited to the second stage of interview which will include formal questions and other leadership tasks.
Observations will take place week commencing 27 April 2026.
Interviews will take place on 6 May 2026 for those applicants who were successful at the Observation stage.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and can be made by contacting Mrs Claire Hutchinson (Head Teacher) on (0191) 5367262.
South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre‑employment checks.
In line with the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, schools may carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on shortlisted candidates.
We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
To view our Privacy Notice please visit: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicants
To apply for this post please download and complete the application form which is saved in “Supporting Documents” and return this to jobs@southtyneside.gov.uk
Closing date: Noon, Tuesday 21 April 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr